Growth promoting peptides, and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

A natural peptide comprising a cellular growth promoting fragment of a protein selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 13, and a composition comprising a plurality of growth promoting peptides, is described. Also disclosed is the use of the peptides and compositions in prevention of ageing of human skin, treatment of diseases or conditions characterised by damaged epithelial cells or tissue such as colon cancer and peripheral inflammatory disorders, and wound treatment. Specific pea and rice protein derived peptides are described in SEQ ID NOs: 15 to 505, and 546 to 704.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/744,390 filed on Jan. 12, 2018, which is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 National Phase Entry of the International Application No. PCT/EP2016/067097 filed on Jul. 18, 2016, which designates the U.S. and which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(b) of European Patent Application No. 15177017.9 filed Jul. 16, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The sequence listing of the present application has been submitted electronically via EFS-Web as an ASCII formatted sequence listing with a file name “048262-091340-US_SL.txt”, creation date of Oct. 30, 2019 and a size of 420,014 bytes. The sequence listing submitted via EFS-Web is part of the specification and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The growing will of maintaining a youthful appearance is leading to more and more research of new dermatological procedures for treatment of skin aging, especially when people keeps living longer and healthier. With age, structural and functional changes are be observed in human skin (Calleja-Agius J. et al. 2013) and many factors are responsible for them like environmental factors such as UV radiation from sunlight or internal factors such as changes in hormones due menopause (Affinito P. et al. 1999).

The alterations of connective tissue in the dermis and epidermis, especially the reduction of the extracellular matrix is highly responsible for skin wrinkling and sagging since they induce important changes in its mechanical properties. Furthermore, metabolism and synthesis of the extra-cellular matrix are affected by the ageing process through enzymatic activities.

There are mainly four solutions to fight against ageing process at the moment:

Diet and hormones management: fighting the ageing process by managing our diet by using supplements. This method is still controverted at the moment. Some studies suggest that antioxidant supplements like Vitamin C or lipoic acid for example could have anti-ageing properties.

Hormone treatment: a risky and controverted solution for anti-ageing purpose. One have to be really careful with anything related to hormones since it can have a broad spectrum of adverse effects. This solution isn't widely used and most of the studies are still on the animal stage.

Surgical anti-aging solutions: they are very effective on the short term but they are costly and can require long period of healing. Like in every surgical operation, there are risks but also side effects. For example, during surgical anti-aging solutions like eyelifts and facelifts, where an incision is made at the hairline, there are some risks of bruising, swelling, drooping eyelids, and secondary infections can occur.

Recently, there has been an increasing enthusiasm on minimally invasive treatments and techniques designed to deal with problems like wrinkles, volume loss and other skin damages. The most common topical anti-ageing solutions are creams and serums. Their active ingredients can be divided in several families:

Moisturiser ingredients will keep the skin hydrated. It's mostly big polar molecules that will make bonds with water like glycosaminoglycan (hyaluronic acid for instance).

Collagen and other extra-cellular matrix related ingredients will contribute to maintain a well organised skin structure by stimulating biosynthesis if they can trigger the right receptors.

Cell proliferation ingredients are important as well since they help to regenerate skin cells which will synthesise the component the skin needs like extra-cellular matrix and growth factors.

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative minimally invasive treatment of skin ageing.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

The pea genome codes for over 70,000 different proteins. The Applicant has identified six of these proteins, each of which contains one or more peptides capable of promoting cellular growth and/or proliferation (hereafter “growth promoting peptide” or “growth promoting fragment”). Likewise, out of the more than 60,000 proteins encoded by the rice genome, the Applicant has identified seven proteins, each of which contains one or more peptides that are bioactive, typically capable of promoting cellular growth and/or proliferation. Cellular growth promoting fragments of the fourteen identified proteins have been shown to have an effect on elastin and collagen production and cell proliferation (FIGS. 1 to 109). The specific plant proteins from which the natural peptides are derived are provided in SEQ ID NOs: 1-14 and 705 to 716. The specific pea proteins from which the peptides are derived include SEQ ID NOs: 1-2 and 7-10, and the specific rice proteins from which the peptides are derived include SEQ ID NOs: 3-6 and 11-13. Homologs of these proteins are described in SEQ ID NOs: 525 to 564. The specific peptides initially identified in the pea proteins are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 15-215 and 283-340. The specific peptides initially identified in the rice proteins are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 216-282 and 341-412. Additional peptides identified in the pea and rice proteins disclosed herein, and variants thereof, are provided in SEQ ID NOs: 418 to 515 and 546 to 704 and 717-775.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a peptide, typically 5 to 50 amino acids in length, and comprising (a) a fragment of a pea or rice protein, for example the pea and rice protein disclosed herein such as one selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 14 and 705 to 716 and 717-732, or a homolog thereof, or (b) a variant of the fragment, or (c) a fragment of the peptide (hereafter “peptide of the invention”). In one embodiment the peptide is bioactive. In one embodiment, the peptide has cellular growth or proliferation promotion activity.

In one embodiment, the peptide of the invention comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 15-505 and 546-704 and 717-775.

In one embodiment, the peptide of the invention consists essentially of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 15-505 and 546-704 and 717-775.

In one embodiment, the peptide of the invention consists of about 3-50 amino acids. In one embodiment, the peptide of the invention consists of about 4-50 amino acids. In one embodiment, the peptide of the invention consists of about 5-50 amino acids. In one embodiment, the peptide of the invention consists of about 6-50 amino acids. In one embodiment, the peptide of the invention consists of about 7-50 amino acids.

In one embodiment, the fragment has 8 to 37 amino acids. In one embodiment, the fragment has a charge of between −10 and +4.

Preferably, the c-terminal amino acid is not cysteine (C) or methionine (M).

Preferably, the n-terminal amino acid is not cysteine (C), histidine (H), or proline (P).

Preferably, the c-terminal domain of the fragment does not contain cysteine (C).

Preferably, the n-terminal domain of the fragment does not contain cysteine (C).

Preferably, the fragment does not contain cysteine (C).

Preferably, the peptide does not contain cysteine (C).

In one embodiment of the invention, the peptide comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 15 to 505.

In one embodiment of the invention, the peptide consists essentially of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 15 to 505.

Preferably, the fragment is selected from SEQ ID NOs: 15-215 and 283-340, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the fragment is selected from SEQ ID NOs: 216-282 and 341-412, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide consists of a fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 15 to 417, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide consists of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 15 to 417.

Preferably, the fragment is selected from SEQ ID NOs: 413-417, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

In one embodiment, the peptide comprises or consists of a fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 246, 283, 284, 245 and 42, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

In one embodiment, the peptide comprises a fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 247 to 268.

In one embodiment, the peptide of the invention is modified. In one embodiment the peptide is modified with a protecting group. In one embodiment, the peptide is modified to increase its lipophilicity. In none embodiment, the peptide is modified to increase its half-life. In one embodiment, an N or C-terminal amino acid of the peptide is modified. In one embodiment, the N or C-terminal amino acid of the peptide is modified with a protecting group.

[SEQ ID NO: 1 (Pea Protein 1—P13918)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 15 to 90, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which typically comprises a different a bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising a first a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 15 to 90 (or a bioactive variant of the fragment), and a second bioactive peptide comprising a second a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 15-90 (or a bioactive variant of the fragment).

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Pea Protein 1 (SEQ ID NO: 1) include Vicia fabia, Cicer arietinum and Lens culinaris homologs (SEQ ID NOs: 525 to 527).

[SEQ ID NO: 2 (Pea Protein 2—Q9M3X6)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 2, or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 91 to 215, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different a bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 91-215, and a second bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 91-215.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Pea Protein 2 (SEQ ID NO: 2) include Pisum abyssinicum, Lathyrus annuus, and Vicia villosa (SEQ ID NOs: 528 to 530).

[SEQ ID NO: 3 (Rice Protein 1—Q0DEV5)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 3, or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 216-244, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 3 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 216-244, and a second bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NO 216-244.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Rice Protein 1 (SEQ ID NO: 15) include Oryza rufipogon, Oryza officinalis, Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare (SEQ ID NOs: 531 to 533).

[SEQ ID NO: 4 (Rice Protein 2—P14323)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 4, or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 245-246, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least one or more peptides of the invention that comprise different bioactive fragments of SEQ ID NO: 4 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first peptide comprising the bioactive fragment SEQ ID NO: 245 and a second peptide comprising the bioactive fragment SEQ ID NO: 246.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Rice Protein 2 (SEQ ID NO: 4) include Oryza brachyantha, and Zizania latifolia (SEQ ID NOs: 534 to 536).

[SEQ ID NO: 5 (Rice Protein 3—P29835)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 5, or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 247-268, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 5 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 247-268, and a second bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 247-268.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Rice Protein 3 (SEQ ID NO: 5) include Zea Mays, Sorghum bicolor and Setaria italica (SEQ ID NOs: 537 to 539).

[SEQ ID NO: 6 (Rice Protein 4—P14614)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 6 or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 269-282, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 6 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 269-282, and a second bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 269-282.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Rice Protein 4 (SEQ ID NO: 6) include Oryza sativa Japonica Group, Brachipodium distachyon (SEQ ID NOs: 540 to 542).

[SEQ ID NO: 7 (Pea Protein 3—P09918)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 283, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a bioactive fragment SEQ ID NO: 283, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Pea Protein 3 (SEQ ID NO: 7) include Medicago truncatula, Glycine soja, and Phaseolus vulgaris (SEQ ID NOs: 543 to 545).

[SEQ ID NO: 8 (Pea Protein 4—P02857)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 284-307, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 284-307, and a second bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 284-307.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Pea Protein 4 (SEQ ID NO: 8) include Vicia sativa, Vicia narbonesis and Cicer arietinum (SEQ ID NOs: 546 to 548).

[SEQ ID NO: 9 (Pea Protein 5—P02855)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 9 or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 308-339, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 9 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 308-339, and a second bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 308-339.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Pea Protein 5 (SEQ ID NO: 9) include Lathyrus hirsutus, Lathyrus cicero, Lathyrus sativus (SEQ ID NOs: 549 to 551).

[SEQ ID NO: 10 (Pea Protein 6—D3VNE1)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 10 or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises the bioactive fragment SEQ ID NO: 340, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 10 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising the bioactive fragment SEQ ID NO: 340.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Pea Protein 6 (SEQ ID NO: 10) include Medicago truncatula, Vicia peregrine, and Vicia lutea (SEQ ID NOs: 552 to 554).

[SEQ ID NO: 11 (Rice Protein 5—P07728)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 11 or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 341-358, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 11 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 341-358, and a second bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 341-358.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Rice Protein 5 (SEQ ID NO: 11) include Oryza sativa Indica Group, Zizania latifolia, Avena sativa (SEQ ID NOs: 555 to 557).

[SEQ ID NO: 12 (Rice Protein 6—P07730)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 12 or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 359-401, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 12 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 359-401, and a second bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 359-401.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Rice Protein 6 (SEQ ID NO: 12) include Oryza brachyantha, Brachipodium distachyon (SEQ ID NOs: 558 to 560).

[SEQ ID NO: 13 (Rice Protein 7—Q0D7S0)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 13 or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 402-412, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 13 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 402-412, and a second bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 402-412.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Rice Protein 7 (SEQ ID NO: 13) include Oryza sativa Indica Group, Zizania latifolia, Avena sativa (SEQ ID NOs: 561 to 564).

[SEQ ID NO: 14 (Staphylococcus Aureus Protein 1—P0C1U8)]

Preferably, the peptide comprises a fragment of the protein of SEQ ID NO: 14 or a homolog thereof.

Preferably, the peptide comprises a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 413-417, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least 1, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, preferably at least 4, preferably at least 5, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7, preferably at least 8, preferably at least 9, or preferably at least 10 bioactive peptides of the invention, each of which comprises a different bioactive fragment of SEQ ID NO: 14 or a homolog thereof. Preferably, the composition comprises a first bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 413-417, and a second bioactive peptide comprising a bioactive fragment selected from SEQ ID NOs: 413-417.

In one embodiment, the bioactive peptide, variant or fragment is a cellular growth or proliferation promoting peptide, variant or fragment, respectively.

Homologs of Staphylococcus Aureus Protein 1 (SEQ ID NO: 14) include:

>gi|580560623|gb|EVF84961.1|glutamyl endopeptidase [Staphylococcus aureus COAS6020] >gi|580687002|gb|EVH10169.1|glutamyl endopeptidase [Staphylococcus aureus UCIM6080] >gi|751815683|gb|KIN24957.1|glutamyl endopeptidase [Staphylococcus aureus MRSA_CVM43477] >gi|781884797|dbj|BAR08486.1|glutamyl endopeptidase precursor [Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus] >gi|781887762|dbj|BAR11210.1|glutamyl endopeptidase precursor [Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus]

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of peptides of the invention, wherein each of the peptides of the invention comprises a bioactive fragment of a protein disclosed herein, for example selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to 14 or a homolog thereof, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Typically, the or each peptide of the invention comprises, a bioactive fragment selected from, SEQ ID NOs: 15-505 and 546 to 704 and 717-775, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Typically, the or each peptide of the invention is selected from a bioactive fragment selected from, SEQ ID NOs: 15-505 and 546 to 704 and 717-775, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of peptides of the invention, wherein the or each of the peptides of the invention comprise a bioactive fragment of a pea or rice protein disclosed herein, typically selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-2 and 7-10. Typically, the or each peptide of the invention is selected from, or comprises a bioactive fragment selected from, SEQ ID NOs: 15-215 and 283 to 340, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of peptides of the invention, wherein the or each of the peptides of the invention comprise a bioactive fragment of a protein disclosed herein typically selected from SEQ ID NOs: 3-6 and 11-13. Typically, the or each peptide of the invention is selected from, or comprises a bioactive fragment selected from, SEQ ID NOs: 216-282 and 341-412, or a bioactive variant of the fragment.

Preferably, the composition comprises at least two distinct growth promoting peptides of the invention.

Preferably, the composition comprises at least three distinct growth promoting peptides of the invention.

Preferably, the composition comprises at least four distinct growth promoting peptides of the invention.

Preferably, the composition comprises at least five distinct growth promoting peptides of the invention.

Preferably, the composition comprises at least six distinct growth promoting peptides of the invention.

Preferably, the composition comprises at least seven distinct growth promoting peptides of the invention.

Preferably, the composition comprises at least eight distinct growth promoting peptides of the invention.

Preferably, the composition comprises at least nine distinct growth promoting peptides of the invention.

Preferably, the composition comprises at least ten distinct growth promoting peptides of the invention.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises one or more of SEQ ID NOs: 247 to 268.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises one or more of SEQ ID NOs: 248, 249, 252, 253 and 257.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a composition comprising substantially all of fragments SEQ ID NOs: 15-215 and 283-340, or growth promoting variants of the fragments, or a mixture of the growth promoting fragments and variants.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a composition comprising substantially all of fragments SEQ ID NOs: 216-282 and 341-412, or growth promoting variants of the fragments, or a mixture of the growth promoting fragments and variants.

In one embodiment, the composition is enriched in peptides having a molecular weight of less than 10 KD.

In one embodiment, the composition is a powder.

The invention also relates to a plaster, bandage or dressing suitable for application to a wound and comprising a peptide or composition of the invention.

The invention also relates to a man-made cell culture media comprising a peptide of the invention. The invention also relates to a man-made cell culture media comprising a composition of the invention. In one embodiment, the cell culture media is formulated for culture of eukaryotic cells. In one embodiment, the cell culture media is formulated for culture of prokaryotic cells.

The invention also relates to a plaster, bandage or dressing suitable for application to a wound and comprising a peptide or composition of the invention.

The invention also relates to a comestible product comprising a growth promoting peptide of the invention. Preferably the comestible product is man-made.

The invention also relates to a comestible product comprising a composition of peptides of the invention. Preferably the comestible product is man-made.

Preferably, the comestible product is a food product for human or animal (mammalian) or cellular consumption.

In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a beverage, In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a bakery product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a dairy product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a snack product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a baked extruded food product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is powdered milk. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is an infant formula product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a confectionary product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a yoghurt. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a yoghurt drink. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is an ice cream product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a frozen food product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a breakfast cereal. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a bread. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a flavoured milk drink. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a confectionary bar. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a tea or tea product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a based extruded snack product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a fried snack product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a nutritional supplement. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a sports nutritional product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a baby food product. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a specialty food product for immunocompromised individuals. In one embodiment the man-made comestible product is a food for geriatric patients.

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in promoting growth of a cell.

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in promoting growth of a cell culture.

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in promoting growth of a tissue.

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in promoting growth of dermal or epithelial tissue.

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in promoting growth of skin.

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in promoting growth of an organ.

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in promoting growth of an organism.

The invention also relates to a composition of the invention for use in promoting growth of a cell.

The invention also relates to a composition of the invention for use in promoting growth of a cell culture.

The invention also relates to a composition of the invention for use in promoting growth of a tissue.

The invention also relates to a composition of the invention for use in promoting growth of epithelial tissue.

The invention also relates to a composition of the invention for use in promoting growth of skin.

The invention also relates to a composition of the invention for use in promoting growth of an organ.

The invention also relates to a composition of the invention for use in promoting growth of an organism.

In one embodiment, the cell, tissue or organism has a normal pathology (for example ageing skin). In one embodiment of the invention, the cell, tissue or skin has abnormal pathology (for example tissue damaged due to trauma, drug use, or epithelial tissue in the GI tract damaged due to an inflammatory disorder).

The growth promoting uses may be in-vivo or in-vitro uses. The growth promoting uses may involve administration to mammal externally (i.e. to the skin) or internally (i.e. to the GI tract).

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in slowing or inhibiting ageing of human skin.

The invention also relates to a method of slowing or inhibiting ageing of human skin comprising a step of administering a peptide of the invention to the human skin. Typically, the peptide of the invention is administered topically to the skin. Administration may be by means of a plaster or patch or a formulation suitable for topical application.

The invention also relates to a composition of the invention for use in slowing or inhibiting ageing of human skin. The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in preventing or slowing ageing of the human skin.

The invention also relates to a method of slowing or inhibiting ageing of human skin comprising a step of administering a composition of the invention to the human skin. Typically, the composition of the invention is administered topically to the skin.

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in treatment of a wound in a mammal.

The invention also relates to a composition of peptides of the invention for use in treatment of a wound in a mammal.

The invention also relates to a wound treatment composition or product of the invention for use in treatment of a wound in a mammal.

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in treatment or prevention of a disease or condition characterised by damaged epithelial cells or tissue.

The invention also relates to a composition of peptides of the invention for use in treatment or prevention of a disease or condition characterised by damaged dermal or epithelial cells or tissue.

In one embodiment, the disease or condition characterised by damaged dermal or epithelial cells or tissue is selected from cancer, trauma

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in maintaining or restoring gut health in a mammal.

The invention also relates to a composition of peptides of the invention for use in maintaining or restoring gut health in in a mammal.

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in maintaining or restoring muscle health (for example lean tissue mass) in a mammal.

The invention also relates to a composition of peptides of the invention for use in maintaining or restoring muscle health (for example lean tissue mass) in in a mammal.

The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide of the invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a composition of peptides of the invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The invention also relates to a peptide of the invention for use in treatment or prevention of an inflammatory disorder in a mammal.

The invention also relates to a composition of the invention for use in treatment or prevention of an inflammatory disorder in a mammal.

The invention also relates to a comestible product, for example a food product comprising a peptide or composition of the invention, for example a dairy or non-dairy product, a solid food or a beverage, a food additive or supplement. The dairy product may be a milk, a cheese, or yoghurt. In one embodiment, the food product is a snack bar. The food product may comprise any amount of the composition of the invention, for example from 0.1% to 30% (w/w).

The peptides of the invention are used in the topical cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition of this invention at cosmetically or pharmaceutically effective concentrations to achieve the desired effect; in a preferred form with regards to the total weight of the composition, between 0.00000001% (in weight) and 20% (in weight); preferably between 0.000001% (in weight) and 15% (in weight), more preferably between 0.0001% (in weight) and 10% (in weight) and even more preferably between 0.0001% (in weight) and 5% (in weight). Ideally, the peptides of the present invention are preferably used from about 0.00001% w/w to about 0.5% w/w [0.1 to 5000 ppm], and more preferably from 0.00005 w/w to about 0.05 w/w [0.5 to 500 ppm], and most preferably from about 0.0001 w/w to about 0.01 w/w of the composition [1 to 100 ppm]. Ideally, the peptides of the present invention are preferably used from about 0.0001% w/w to about 0.004% w/w of the composition.

For compositions of peptides of the invention, a typical daily dosage may be 0.2 g to 100 g. However, when administered as a food for special medicinal purpose, or medical food, the daily dosage may be 50-500 g per day.

The dosage of compositions of the invention for use in food products and food supplements (i.e. comestible compositions) will be broadly in the 0.2-100 g/day range. In one embodiment, the daily dosage is 1-10 g/day, ideally about 3-8 g/day. In one embodiment, the daily dosage is 10-20 g/day. In one embodiment, the daily dosage is 20-30 g/day. In one embodiment, the daily dosage is 30-40 g/day. In one embodiment, the daily dosage is 10-100 g/day. In one embodiment, the daily dosage is about 5 g/day, ideally about 3-8 g/day. In one embodiment, the dosage is 2-1000 mg/day/kg body weight. In one embodiment, the dosage is 10-500 mg/day/kg body weight. In one embodiment, the dosage is 10-100 mg/day/kg body weight. In one embodiment, the dosage is 30-70 mg/day/kg body weight. The dosage of peptides of the invention for food supplements may be 0.00001 mg-0.01 mg per day or dose.

The food product may be a Food for Specific Medicinal Purposes (FSMP) which is defined as foods that are specifically formulated, processed and intended for the dietary management of diseases, disorders or medical conditions of individuals who are being treated under medical supervision. These foods are intended for the exclusive or partial feeding of people whose nutritional requirements cannot be met by normal foods.

The invention also relates to a man-made personal care composition comprising a peptide of the invention.

The invention also relates to a man-made personal care composition comprising a composition of peptides of the invention.

In one embodiment the personal care composition is a skincare product. In one embodiment the personal care composition is a product formulated for topical application to the skin of a human. In one embodiment the personal care composition is an anti-aging product. In one embodiment the personal care composition is a dentrifice product. In one embodiment the personal care composition is a perfumery product. In one embodiment the personal care composition is a deodorant product. In one embodiment the personal care composition is an anti-perspirant product. In one embodiment the personal care composition is a soap. In one embodiment the personal care composition is a liquid soap. In one embodiment the personal care composition is a cream. In one embodiment the personal care composition is a lotion. In one embodiment the personal care composition is a gel. In one embodiment the personal care composition is a powder.

The invention also relates to a man-made wound treatment composition comprising a peptide of the invention. The invention also relates to a man-made wound treatment composition comprising a composition of the invention. Typically, the wound treatment composition is formulated for topical application to a wound. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a cream, gel, lotion, powder.

The invention also provides topical composition comprising a peptide of the invention. It will be appreciated that the topical composition may comprise a plurality of peptides, fragments and/or variants. In one embodiment, the topical composition comprises substantially all the peptides. In one embodiment, the topical composition comprises substantially all the variants. The topical composition of the invention may be presented in a formulation selected from the group comprising creams, multiple emulsions, anhydrous compositions, aqueous dispersions, oils, milks, balsams, foams, lotions, gels, cream gels, hydro-alcoholic solutions, hydro-glycolic solutions, cosmetic, personal care product, hydrogels, liniments, sera, soaps, dusting powder, paste, semi solid formulations, liniments, serums, shampoo, conditioner, ointments, any rinse off formulation, talc, mousses, powders, sprays, aerosols, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, syrups, elixirs, polysaccharide films, patches, gel patches, bandages, an adhesive system, water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, and silicone emulsions.

In an embodiment of the current invention, the emulsion contains a lipid or oil. The emulsion may be, but is not limited to, oil-in-water, water-in-oil, water-in-oil-in-water and oil-in-water-in-silcone emulsions. The emulsion may contain a humectant. The emulsion may contain an anti-foaming agent, such as silicone. The emulsion may have any suitable viscosity. Emulsions may further contain an emulsifier and/or an anti-foaming agent. Methods of preparing an emulsion are known to a person skilled in the art.

The topical composition of the invention may be incorporated into a medical device for administration. Such a device can include but is not limited to a fabric, patch, bandage, gauge, sock, tight, underwear, dressing, glove, mask, adhesive patches, non-adhesive patches, occlusive patches and microelectric patches or suitable adhesive system. In such an embodiment, the device is in direct contact with the keratinous layer such as the skin, thus releasing the peptides of the invention. It will be understood that the topical composition may be incorporated in any suitable form as detailed herein. For example, the topical composition or peptides of the invention can be incorporated into the device or be present on the surface of the device or can be in a cream, gel or wax formulation or any suitable formulation defined herein and incorporated into the device or on the surface of the device. The device may be adapted for adhesion or attachment to the skin.

In one embodiment the device is adapted to release a constant quantity of the composition or the peptides of the invention. It will be understood that the amount of the composition contained in the sustained release system will depend, for example, on where the composition is to be administered, the kinetics and duration of the release of the composition of the invention, as well as the nature of the condition, disorder and/or disease to be treated and/or cared for. The device may be such that the composition is released by biodegradation of the device, or by friction between the device and the body, due to bodily moisture, the skin's pH or body temperature.

In an embodiment of the invention the topical composition may further comprise at least one cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Excipient may be used interchangeably with functional ingredient or additive. It will be understood that although the topical compositions of the current invention can be administered alone, they will generally be administered in admixture with a cosmetic or pharmaceutical excipient. Cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient are well known in the art and any known excipient, may be used provided that it is suitable for topical administration and is dermatologically acceptable without undue toxicity, incompatibility and/or allergic reaction.

Preferably any excipient included is present in trace amounts. The amount of excipient included will depend on numerous factors, including the type of excipient used, the nature of the excipient, the component(s) of the topical composition, the amount of active or peptide in the topical composition and/or the intended use of the topical composition. The nature and amount of any excipient should not unacceptably alter the benefits of the peptides of this invention.

In an embodiment of the invention the excipient may be a suitable diluent, carrier, binder, lubricant, suspending agent, coating agent, preservative, stabilisers, dyes, vehicle, solubilising agent, base, emollient, emulsifying agent, fragrance, humectant, and/or surfactants.

Examples of suitable diluents include, but are not limited to, any diluent disclosed in disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667. Examples include ethanol, glycerol and water.

Examples of suitable carriers include, but are not limited to, lactose, starch, glucose, methyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, sorbitol and any suitable carrier disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667.

Examples of suitable binders include, but are not limited to, starch, gelatin, natural sugars such as glucose, anhydrous lactose, free-flow lactose, beta-lactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums, such as acacia, tragacanth or sodium alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose and polyethylene glycol and any suitable binder disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667.

Examples of suitable lubricants include, but are not limited to, sodium oleate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, and sodium chloride and any suitable lubricant disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667.

The carrier may be any suitable carried known in the art or disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667. In some embodiments, the carrier may include, but is not limited to, a liquid, such as water, oils or surfactants, including those of petroleum, animal, plant or synthetic origin, polymer, oil, such as peanut oil, mineral oil, castor oil, soybean oil, alcohol, polysorbates, sorbitan esters, ether sulfates, sulfates, betaines, glycosides, maltosides, fatty alcohols, nonoxynols, poloxamers, polyoxyethylenes, polyethylene glycols, dextrose, glycerol, or digitonin. It will be understood that the carrier will be dermatologically acceptable. Preferred carriers contain an emulsion such as oil-in-water, water-in-oil, water-in-oil-in-water and oil-in-water-in-silicone emulsions. Emulsions may further contain an emulsifier and/or an anti-foaming agent.

In an embodiment of the invention, the topical composition may further comprise one or more additional ingredients. The topical composition of the invention may be administered consecutively, simultaneously or sequentially with the one or more other additional agents. Such additional ingredients may be those of benefit to include in a topical composition, or of benefit depending on the intended use of the topical composition. The additional ingredient may be active or functional or both.

Examples of such additional ingredients include, but are not limited to, one or more of cleaning agents, conditioning agents, sunscreen, pigment, moisturiser, thickening agents, gelling agents, essential oil, astringents, pigments, anti-caking agent, anti-foaming agent, binders, additives, buffers, chelating agents, external analgesics, film formers or materials, bulking agents, polymers, opacifying agents, pH adjusters, propellants, reducing agents, sequestrants, skin bleaching and lightening agents, skin conditioning agents, aloe vera, healing agents, soothing agents, smoothing agents, pantothenic acid, treating agents, thickeners, vitamins. colourants, pharmaceuticals, antiseptic agents, antifoaming agents, buffering agents, astringents, polymers, pH adjuster, deodorant or any other dermatologically acceptable carrier or surfactant.

It is to be understood that additional ingredients listed may provide more than one benefit. The classification given herein is for clarity and convenience only and not intended to limit the additional ingredient to that particular application or category listed.

Any additional ingredients should be suitable for application to the skin without undue toxicity, incompatibility and/or allergic reaction.

In some embodiments, the additional ingredient has glucose transport activity or aids glucose transport activity. In some embodiments, the additional ingredient has anti-inflammatory activity or aids anti-inflammatory activity. In some embodiments, the additional ingredient has anti-aging activity or aids anti-aging activity. In some embodiments, the additional ingredient is for keratinous layer health and/or development, skin health and/or development, and/or muscle health, recovery and/or development. The active agent may be a pharmacological enhancer. Such active agents are known and available on the market. In such cases, the topical composition of the invention may be administered consecutively, simultaneously or sequentially with the one or more other active agents.

In some embodiments, the additional ingredient may be farnesol ([2E, 6E],-3, 7, 11,-trimethyl-2, 6, 10, dodecatrien-1-ol), phytantriol (3, 7, 11, 15, tetramethylhexadecane-1, 2, 3,-triol), desquamation actives, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, enzyme activators, botanical extracts and marine extracts, anti-acne actives, anti-wrinkle or anti atrophy actives, anti-oxidant/radical scavengers, chelators, flavonoids, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-cellulite agents, topical anaesthetics, tanning actives, skin lightening agents, skin healing agents, bisabolol, antimicrobial or antifungal active, sunscreen actives, particulate material, conditioning agents, structuring agents, thickening agent,

The desquamation active may be any suitable agent that enhances the skin appearance or texture of the skin and is as disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667.

Examples of anti-acne actives are as disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667 and include, resorcinol, salicylic acid, erythromycin, zine, sulfur, benzoyl peroxides.

Examples of thickening agents are as disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667 and include carboxylic acid polymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers, polysaccharides.

Examples of conditioning agents are as disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667 and include humectants, moisturiser or skin conditioner.

Examples of structuring agents are as disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667 and include any agent that provide rheological characteristics to the composition and contributes to the stability of the composition.

Any suitable antimicrobial or antifungal active may be used and examples are as disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667. Such actives are capable of destroying microbes, preventing growth or action of microbes. Examples include but are not limited to β-lactam drugs, quinolone drugs, tetracycline, erythromycin, streptomycin sulfate, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide.

Examples of a particulate material include metallic oxide. Examples of anti-cellulite agents include xanthine agents. Examples of tanning actives includes 1, 3-dihydroxy-2-propanone and those disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667. Examples of topical anaesthetics include benzocaine, lidocaine and bupivacaine and those disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667.

Examples of skin lightening agents include any agent known in the art such as kojic acid, ascorbic acid and those disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667.

Examples of sunscreen actives include any suitable organic or inorganic sunscreen active.

Examples include metallic oxides, 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate and those disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667.

Examples of skin healing agents includes panthenoic acid as disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667.

Examples of anti-inflammatory agents include any agent that enhances the skin appearance, tone or colour and include but are not limited to corticosteroids, hydrocortisone, non-steroidal agents such as ibuprofen and aspirin and those disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667.

Examples of flavonoids includes flavanones, methoxy flavonones, unsubstituted chalcone and mixtures thereof and those disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667.

Examples of enzymes include lipases, proteases, catalase, super oxide-dismutase, amylase, peroxidase, glucuronidase, ceramidases, hyaluronidases. Examples of enzyme inhibitors include trypsine inhibitors, Bowmann Birk inhibitors, chymotrypsin inhibitors, botanical extracts, flavonoids, quercetin chalcone and those disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667 and mixtures thereof. Examples of enzyme activators include coenzyme A, Q10 (ubiquinone), glycyrrhizin, berberine, chrysin and those disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667 and mixtures thereof

Examples of anti-wrinkle or anti atrophy actives include sulfur containing D and L amino acids, particular, N-acyl derivatives such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine, hydroxyl acids, phytic acid, lipoic acid, lysophosphatidic acid, skin peel agents, vitamin B₃, retinoids and those disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667 and mixtures thereof.

The anti-oxidant/radical scavenger agent may be any agent that is useful for providing protection against UV radiation or other environmental agents which may cause skin damage such as those disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667. Examples of anti-oxidant/radical scavengers include ascorbic acid, its salts and derivatives (vitamin C), tocopherol its salts and derivatives (vitamin E), butylated hydroxyl benzoic acids and their salts, peroxides, gallic acids and alkyl esters, sorbic acid, lipoic acid, amines, lycine pidolate, arginine pilolate, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, bioflavonoids, curcumin, lysine, methionine, proline, superoxide dismutase, silymarin, tea extracts and mixtures thereof.

Examples of chelators include EDTA, NTA, hydoxamic acids, phytic acid, lactoferrin and those disclosed in US2014120131 or US2004132667 and mixtures thereof. A chelator means an agent capable of removing a metal ion by forming a complex so that the metal ion cannot participate in or catalyse chemical reactions. A chelator is useful for protection against UV radiation or other environmental agents that can cause skin damage.

It will be appreciated that a plurality of additional ingredients may be added. The amount of the additional ingredient may be from about 0.001% to about 50% weight of the composition, preferably, about 0.01% to about 20%, preferably about 0.1% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 10%, about 1% to about 5%, preferably 2% weight of the composition. The amount of additional ingredient included will depend on numerous factors, including the type of additional ingredient used, the nature of the additional ingredient, the component(s) of the topical composition, the amount of active or peptide in the topical composition and/or the intended use of the topical composition. The nature and amount of any additional ingredient should not unacceptably alter the benefits of the peptides of this invention.

The topical composition may be alcohol free.

In some embodiments of the invention, the composition further comprises one or more additional active agents, in addition to the peptide of the invention (also known as the active of the composition). In addition, or alternatively, the composition may be administered with one or more other additional active agents. Typical said additional active agent is present in trace amounts only. In some embodiments, there may be no additional active agent present in the composition. The amount of additional active agent included will depend on numerous factors, including the type of additional active agent used, the nature of the additional active agent, the component(s) of the topical composition, the amount of active or peptide in the topical composition and/or the intended use of the topical composition. The nature and amount of any additional active agent should not unacceptably alter the benefits of the peptides of this invention.

It is to be understood that an ingredient that is considered to be an “active” ingredient in one product may be a “functional” or “excipient” ingredient in another and vice versa. It will also be appreciated that some ingredients play a dual role as both an active ingredient and as a functional or excipient ingredient.

Examples of the additional active agents include glucose transport promoting drugs, skin supplement, agent for treatment and/or care of the skin, anti-inflammatory agent, an anti-aging agent, a cellular growth promoting agent and pharmacological enhancers. Such agents are well known in the art and it will be appreciated that any suitable additional active agent may be used. Additional active agents for treatment and/or care of the skin may include collagen synthesis agents, retinoids, exfoliating agents, anti-cellulite agents, elastase inhibiting agents, melanin synthesis stimulating or inhibiting agents, self-tanning agents, antiaging agents, antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents, fungistatic agents, bactericidal agents, and healing agents. Active agents also include anti-inflammatory agents.

Any additional active agent should be suitable for application to the skin without undue toxicity, incompatibility and/or allergic reaction.

It will be understood that the classification given herein is for clarity and convenience only and not intended to limit the additional ingredient, excipient, or active to that particular application or category listed.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the methods and uses of the invention involve administration of a peptide or composition of the invention in combination with one or more other active agents, for example, existing growth promoting drugs or pharmacological enhancers available on the market. In such cases, the compounds of the invention may be administered consecutively, simultaneously or sequentially with the one or more other active agents.

The effect of the current invention is accomplished by topical application or administration of the topical composition of the invention described herein to a person, animal or a patient in need of treatment or care. Topical delivery preferably means delivery to a keratinous layer such as the skin, hair and/or nails, but can also mean delivery to a body lumen lined with epithelial cells, for example the lungs or airways, the gastrointestinal tract, the buccal cavity. The effect may be confined to the surface of the skin or may be within the skin or a combination of both.

The topical composition of the invention is administered in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically effective amount. In other words, in an amount that is non-toxic but sufficient amount to provide the desired effect. It will be appreciated that a person skilled in the art would be capable of determining an appropriate dose of the topical compositions of the invention to administer without undue experimentation. Alternatively, a physician will determine the actual dose that is most suitable for a patient depending on the particular condition, disease or disorder to be treated or cared for and the age, body weight and/or health of the person. It will depend on a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular condition, and the individual undergoing therapy. There can, of course, be individual instances where higher or lower dosage ranges are merited, and such are within the scope of this invention. For example, the composition may be administered at a dose of from 0.01 to 50 mg/kg body weight, such as from 0.1 to 30 mg/kg, more preferably from 0.1 to 20 mg/kg body weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 mg/kg body weight, preferably 0.1 to 5 mg/kg body weight. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more doses of 10 to 300 mg/day or more preferably, 10 to 150 mg/day, will be administered to the patient. The amount and the frequency is as best suited to the purpose. The frequency of application or administration can vary greatly, depending on the needs of each subject, with a recommendation of an application or administration range from once a month to ten times a day, preferably from once a week to four times a day, more preferably from three times a week to three times a day, even more preferably once or twice a day.

In preferred embodiments, repeated use of the topical composition is provided. The topical composition may be applied by, but not limited to, rubbing, or massaging into the keratinous tissue, skin or area of the body to be treated or cared for. In some embodiments, the composition is left on or not removed from the area of the body. In other embodiments, the composition is removed after a period of time, such as, but not limited to, from about 2 minutes to 60 minutes, from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, preferably from about 10 minutes to about 20 minutes. The composition may be removed immediately after application. In some embodiments of the current invention, the composition of the invention may be applied to an area to be treated by means to achieve a greater penetration of the composition and/or peptide of the invention, such as, but not limited to, iontophoresis, sonophoresis, electroporation, microelectric patches, mechanical pressure, osmotic pressure gradient, occlusive cure, microinjections or needle-free injections by means of pressure, such as injections by oxygen pressure, or any combination thereof.

The peptides of the invention are used in the topical cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition of this invention at cosmetically or pharmaceutically effective concentrations to achieve the desired effect; in a preferred form with regards to the total weight of the composition, between 0.00000001% (in weight) and 20% (in weight); preferably between 0.000001% (in weight) and 15% (in weight), more preferably between 0.0001% (in weight) and 10% (in weight) and even more preferably between 0.0001% (in weight) and 5% (in weight).

In some embodiments of the current invention, the composition may be delivered via any one of liposomes, mixed liposomes, oleosomes, niosomes, ethosomes, millicapsules, capsules, macrocapsules, nanocapsules, nanostructured lipid carriers, sponges, cyclodextrins, vesicles, micelles, mixed micelles of surfactants, surfactant-phospholipid mixed micelles, milli spheres, spheres, lipospheres, particles, nanospheres, nanoparticles, milliparticles, solid nanopartciles as well as microemulsions including water-in-oil microemulsions with an internal structure of reverse micelle and nanoemulsions microspheres, microparticles.

A variety of methods are available for preparing liposomes. See, e.g., Szoka et al., Ann. Rev. Biophys. Bioeng. 9:467 (1980), U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,186,183, 4,217,344, 4,235,871, 4,261,975, 4,485,054, 4,501,728, 4,774,085, 4,837,028, 4,235,871, 4,261,975, 4,485,054, 4,501,728, 4,774,085, 4,837,028, 4,946,787, PCT Publication No. WO 91/17424, Deamer & Bangham, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 443:629-634 (1976); Fraley, et al., PNAS 76:3348-3352 (1979); Hope et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 812:55-65 (1985); Mayer et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 858:161-168 (1986); Williams et al., PNAS 85:242-246 (1988); Liposomes (Ostro (ed.), 1983, Chapter 1); Hope et al., Chem. Phys. Lip. 40:89 (1986); Gregoriadis, Liposome Technology (1984) and Lasic, Liposomes: from Physics to Applications (1993)). Suitable methods include, for example, sonication, extrusion, high pressure/homogenization, microfluidization, detergent dialysis, calcium-induced fusion of small liposome vehicles and ether fusion methods, all of which are well known in the art.

These delivery systems may be adapted to achieve a greater penetration of the compound and/or peptides of the invention. This may improve pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties. The delivery system may be a sustained release system wherein the compound or peptide of the invention is gradually released during a period of time and preferably with a constant release rate over a period of time. The delivery systems are prepared by methods known in the art. The amount of peptide contained in the sustained release system will depend on where the composition is to be delivered and the duration of the release as well as the type of the condition, disease and/or disorder to be treated or cared for.

The topical composition of the invention may be for human or animal usage in human and veterinary medicine.

The topical composition of the invention may be used for pharmaceutical, personal care and/or cosmetic uses.

The composition can be used to treat or care for any disease, disorder or condition of the skin, including but not limited to, psoriasis, dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, eczema, spongiosis, edema, skin cancer, ulcers, acne, scars, cellulitis, elastosis, keratosis, rosacea, varicose veins, inflammatory disorders.

The topical composition may be used to for treating or caring for visible signs of aging including but not limited to wrinkles, stretch marks and dark circles, dryness, fine lines, age spots, red blotches, sagging skin, and conditions caused by sun exposure including sunburn, stress, pollution and/diet. The topical composition may also be used for delaying, slowing or inhibiting the skins or the onset of aging. The composition may be administered by a medical device, such as a plaster or a patch as described herein.

The topical composition may be used to treat or care for a wound in a mammal. In another embodiment, the topical composition is for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition characterised by damaged epithelial cells or tissue, and/or damaged dermal or epithelial cells or tissue. The disease may be but is not limited to cancer and trauma.

The topical composition may be used to treat or care for any muscle condition, to improve, muscle status in a mammal, to promote recovery of muscle, typically following exercise, to maintain or restore muscle health (for example lean tissue mass) in a mammal, to enhance physical performance, in treatment or prevention of a disease or condition characterised by lethargy or low energy levels.

The topical composition may be used to promote growth of a tissue, promote growth of epithelial tissue, promote growth of skin, promote growth of an organ, promote growth of an organism. The skin can have a normal pathology and/or an abnormal pathology.

The topical composition may also be used to treat or care for any inflammatory disorder.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide of the invention or a composition of peptides of the invention, admixed with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents, excipients or carriers. Even though the peptides and compositions of the present invention can be administered alone, they will generally be administered in admixture with a pharmaceutical carrier, excipient or diluent, particularly for human therapy. The pharmaceutical compositions may be for human or animal usage in human and veterinary medicine. Examples of such suitable excipients for the various different forms of pharmaceutical compositions described herein may be found in the “Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, 2^(nd) Edition, (1994), Edited by A Wade and PJ Weller. In particular, formulations for topical delivery are described in Topical drug delivery formulations edited by David Osborne and Antonio Aman, Taylor & Francis, the complete contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Acceptable carriers or diluents for therapeutic use are well known in the pharmaceutical art, and are described, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co. (A. R. Gennaro edit. 1985). Examples of suitable carriers include lactose, starch, glucose, methyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, sorbitol and the like. Examples of suitable diluents include ethanol, glycerol and water. The choice of pharmaceutical carrier, excipient or diluent can be selected with regard to the intended route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice. The pharmaceutical compositions may comprise as, or in addition to, the carrier, excipient or diluent any suitable binder(s), lubricant(s), suspending agent(s), coating agent(s), solubilising agent(s). Examples of suitable binders include starch, gelatin, natural sugars such as glucose, anhydrous lactose, free-flow lactose, beta-lactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums, such as acacia, tragacanth or sodium alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose and polyethylene glycol. Examples of suitable lubricants include sodium oleate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride and the like. Preservatives, stabilizers, dyes and even flavouring agents may be provided in the pharmaceutical composition. Examples of preservatives include sodium benzoate, sorbic acid and esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Antioxidants and suspending agents may be also used.

The peptide or composition of the invention may be adapted for topical, oral, rectal, parenteral, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intra-arterial, intrabronchial, subcutaneous, intradermal, intravenous, nasal, vaginal, buccal or sublingual routes of administration. For oral administration, particular use is made of compressed tablets, pills, tablets, gellules, drops, and capsules. Preferably, these compositions contain from 1 to 250 mg and more preferably from 10-100 mg, of active ingredient per dose. Other forms of administration comprise solutions or emulsions which may be injected intravenously, intra-arterial, subcutaneously, intradermally, intraperitoneally or intramuscularly, and which are prepared from sterile or sterilisable solutions. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may also be in form of suppositories, vaginal rings, pessaries, suspensions, emulsions, lotions, ointments, creams, gels, sprays, solutions or dusting powders. The composition of the invention may be formulated for topical delivery. Topical delivery generally means delivery to the skin, but can also mean delivery to a body lumen lined with epithelial cells, for example the lungs or airways, the gastrointestinal tract, the buccal cavity. In particular, formulations for topical delivery are described in Topical drug delivery formulations edited by David Osborne and Antonio Aman, Taylor & Francis, the complete contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Compositions or formulations for delivery to the airways are described in O'Riordan et al (Respir Care, 2002, November 47), EP2050437, WO2005023290, US2010098660, and US20070053845. Composition and formulations for delivering active agents to the iluem, especially the proximal iluem, include microparticles and microencapsulates where the active agent is encapsulated within a protecting matrix formed of polymer or dairy protein that is acid resistant but prone to dissolution in the more alkaline environment of the ileum. Examples of such delivery systems are described in EP1072600.2 and EP13171757.1. An alternative means of transdermal administration is by use of a skin patch. For example, the active ingredient can be incorporated into a cream consisting of an aqueous emulsion of polyethylene glycols or liquid paraffin. The active ingredient can also be incorporated, at a concentration of between 1 and 10% by weight, into an ointment consisting of a white wax or white soft paraffin base together with such stabilisers and preservatives as may be required.

Injectable forms may contain between 10-1000 mg, preferably between 10-250 mg, of active ingredient per dose.

Compositions may be formulated in unit dosage form, i.e., in the form of discrete portions containing a unit dose, or a multiple or sub-unit of a unit dose.

A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily determine an appropriate dose of one of the instant compositions to administer to a subject without undue experimentation. Typically, a physician will determine the actual dosage which will be most suitable for an individual patient and it will depend on a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular condition, and the individual undergoing therapy. The dosages disclosed herein are exemplary of the average case. There can of course be individual instances where higher or lower dosage ranges are merited, and such are within the scope of this invention. Depending upon the need, the agent may be administered at a dose of from 0.01 to 30 mg/kg body weight, such as from 0.1 to 10 mg/kg, more preferably from 0.1 to 1 mg/kg body weight. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more doses of 10 to 300 mg/day or more preferably, 10 to 150 mg/day, will be administered to the patient for the treatment of an inflammatory disorder.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the methods and uses of the invention involve administration of a peptide or composition of the invention in combination with one or more other active agents, for example, existing anti-inflammatory drugs or pharmacological enhancers available on the market. In such cases, the compounds of the invention may be administered consecutively, simultaneously or sequentially with the one or more other active agents.

In one embodiment of the invention, the peptide of the invention may be administered in the form of a conjugate comprising the peptide, and may optionally include a linker, and a partner molecule, for example a protein such as an antibody molecule intended to increase the half-life of the conjugate in-vivo. In one embodiment, the peptide may be modified to substitute one or more amino acids with amino acids employed to attach partner molecules. For example, an amino acid may be substituted with a lysine residue for the purpose of conjugating a partner molecule such as a PEG molecule.

Definitions

All publications, patents, patent applications and other references mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes as if each individual publication, patent or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and the content thereof recited in full.

Where used herein and unless specifically indicated otherwise, the following terms are intended to have the following meanings in addition to any broader (or narrower) meanings the terms might enjoy in the art:

Unless otherwise required by context, the use herein of the singular is to be read to include the plural and vice versa. The term “a” or “an” used in relation to an entity is to be read to refer to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein.

As used herein, the term “comprise,” or variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising,” are to be read to indicate the inclusion of any recited integer (e.g. a feature, element, characteristic, property, method/process step or limitation) or group of integers (e.g. features, element, characteristics, properties, method/process steps or limitations) but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Thus, as used herein the term “comprising” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited integers or method/process steps.

As used herein, the term “disease” is used to define any abnormal condition that impairs physiological function and is associated with specific symptoms. The term is used broadly to encompass any disorder, illness, abnormality, pathology, sickness, condition or syndrome in which physiological function is impaired irrespective of the nature of the aetiology (or indeed whether the aetiological basis for the disease is established). It therefore encompasses conditions arising from infection, trauma, injury, surgery, radiological ablation, poisoning or nutritional deficiencies.

As used herein, the term “treatment” or “treating” refers to an intervention (e.g. the administration of an agent to a subject) which cures, ameliorates or lessens the symptoms of a disease or removes (or lessens the impact of) its cause(s) (for example, the reduction in accumulation of pathological levels of lysosomal enzymes). In this case, the term is used synonymously with the term “therapy”.

Additionally, the terms “treatment” or “treating” refers to an intervention (e.g. the administration of an agent to a subject) which prevents or delays the onset or progression of a disease or reduces (or eradicates) its incidence within a treated population. In this case, the term treatment is used synonymously with the term “prophylaxis”.

As used herein, an effective amount or a therapeutically effective amount of an agent defines an amount that can be administered to a subject without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio, but one that is sufficient to provide the desired effect, e.g. the treatment or prophylaxis manifested by a permanent or temporary improvement in the subject's condition. The amount will vary from subject to subject, depending on the age and general condition of the individual, mode of administration and other factors. Thus, while it is not possible to specify an exact effective amount, those skilled in the art will be able to determine an appropriate “effective” amount in any individual case using routine experimentation and background general knowledge. A therapeutic result in this context includes eradication or lessening of symptoms, reduced pain or discomfort, prolonged survival, improved mobility and other markers of clinical improvement. A therapeutic result need not be a complete cure.

The term “human or animal” should be understood to means humans or mammalian or non-mammalian animals such as fish.

The term “composition” should be understood to mean a composition of matter made by the hand of man and not occurring in nature. Exemplary compositions include food compositions, beverage compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional supplement compositions, personal care compositions and healthcare compositions.

The term “peptide” used herein refers to a polymer composed of 5 to 50 amino acid monomers typically via peptide bond linkage. Peptides (including fragments and variants thereof) of and for use in the invention may be generated wholly or partly by chemical synthesis or by expression from nucleic acid. For example, the peptides of and for use in the present invention can be readily prepared according to well-established, standard liquid or, preferably, solid-phase peptide synthesis methods known in the art (see, for example, J. M. Stewart and J. D. Young, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, 2nd edition, Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill. (1984), in M. Bodanzsky and A. Bodanzsky, The Practice of Peptide Synthesis, Springer Verlag, New York (1984). When necessary, any of the peptides employed in the invention can be chemically modified to increase their stability. A chemically modified peptide or a peptide analog includes any functional chemical equivalent of the peptide characterized by its increased stability and/or efficacy in vivo or in vitro in respect of the practice of the invention. The term peptide analog also refers to any amino acid derivative of a peptide as described herein. A peptide analog can be produced by procedures that include, but are not limited to, modifications to side chains, incorporation of unnatural amino acids and/or their derivatives during peptide synthesis and the use of cross-linkers and other methods that impose conformational constraint on the peptides or their analogs. Examples of side chain modifications include modification of amino groups, such as by reductive alkylation by reaction with an aldehyde followed by reduction with NaBH₄; amidation with methylacetimidate; acetylation with acetic anhydride; carbamylation of amino groups with cyanate; trinitrobenzylation of amino groups with 2, 4, 6, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS); alkylation of amino groups with succinic anhydride and tetrahydrophthalic anhydride; and pyridoxylation of lysine with pyridoxa-5′-phosphate followed by reduction with NABH₄. The guanidino group of arginine residues may be modified by the formation of heterocyclic condensation products with reagents such as 2,3-butanedione, phenylglyoxal and glyoxal. The carboxyl group may be modified by carbodiimide activation via o-acylisourea formation followed by subsequent derivatization, for example, to a corresponding amide. Sulfhydryl groups may be modified by methods, such as carboxymethylation with iodoacetic acid or iodoacetamide; performic acid oxidation to cysteic acid; formation of mixed disulphides with other thiol compounds; reaction with maleimide; maleic anhydride or other substituted maleimide; formation of mercurial derivatives using 4-chloromercuribenzoate, 4-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid, phenylmercury chloride, 2-chloromercuric-4-nitrophenol and other mercurials; carbamylation with cyanate at alkaline pH. Tryptophan residues may be modified by, for example, oxidation with N-bromosuccinimide or alkylation of the indole ring with 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide or sulphonyl halides. Tryosine residues may be altered by nitration with tetranitromethane to form a 3-nitrotyrosine derivative. Modification of the imidazole ring of a histidine residue may be accomplished by alkylation with iodoacetic acid derivatives or N-carbethoxylation with diethylpyrocarbonate. Examples of incorporating unnatural amino acids and derivatives during peptide synthesis include, but are not limited to, use of norleucine, 4-amino butyric acid, 4-amino-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanoic acid, 6-aminohexanoic acid, t-butylglycine, norvaline, phenylglycine, ornithine, sarcosine, 4-amino-3-hydroxy-6-methylheptanoic acid, 2-thienyl alanine and/or D-isomers of amino acids. Peptide structure modification includes the generation of retro-inverso peptides comprising the reversed sequence encoded by D-amino acids.

The term “modified peptide” is used interchangeably with the term derivative of the peptide. The modified peptide includes a peptide which has been substituted with one or more groups as defined herein. The modification may be any modified that provides the peptides and or the composition of the invention with an increased ability to penetrate a cell. The modification may be any modification that increases the half-life of the composition or peptides of the invention. In one embodiment, the group is a protecting group. The protecting group may be an N-terminal protecting group, a C-terminal protecting group or a side-chain protecting group. The peptide may have one or more of these protecting groups. The person skilled in the art is aware of suitable techniques to react amino acids with these protecting groups. These groups can be added by preparation methods known in the art, for example the methods as outlined in paragraphs [0104] to [0107] of US2014120141. The groups may remain on the peptide or may be removed. The protecting group may be added during synthesis. In an embodiment of the invention the peptides may be substituted with a group selected from one or more straight chain or branched chain, long or short chain, saturated, or unsaturated, substituted with a hydroxyl, amino, amino acyl, sulfate or sulphide group or unsubstituted having from 1 to 29 carbon atoms. N-acyl derivatives include acyl groups derived from acetic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, octanoic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, lipoic acid, oleic acid, isosteric acid, elaidoic acid, 2-ethylhexaneic acid, coconut oil fatty acid, tallow fatty acid, hardened tallow fatty acid, palm kernel fatty acid, lanolin fatty acid or similar acids. These may be substituted or unsubstituted. When substituted they are preferably substituted with hydroxyl, or sulphur containing groups such as but not limited to SO₃H, SH, or S—S. In an embodiment of the current invention, the peptide is R₁—X—R₂. R₁ and/or R₂ groups respectively bound to the amino-terminal (N-terminal) and carboxyl-terminal (C-terminal) of the peptide sequence. In one embodiment, the peptide is R₁—X. Alternatively, the peptide is X—R₂. Preferably, R₁ is H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, acetyl, benzoyl or trifluoroacetyl; X is the peptide of the invention; R₂ is OH or NH₂. In an embodiment, R₁ is selected from the group formed by H, a non-cyclic substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group, substituted or unsubstituted alicyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl, Tert-butyloxycarbonyl, 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) and R₅—CO—, wherein R₅ is selected from the group formed by H, a non-cyclic substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group, substituted or unsubstituted alicyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl and substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl; R₂ is selected from the group formed by —NR₃R₄, —OR₃ and —SR₃, wherein R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group formed by H, a non-cyclic substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group, substituted or unsubstituted alicyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl; and with the condition that R₁ and R₂ are not α-amino acids. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, R₂ is —NR₃R₄, —OR₃ or —SR₃ wherein R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group formed by H, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₄ alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₂₄ alkenyl, Tert-butyloxycarbonyl, 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc), substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₂₄ alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₂₄ cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₅-C₂₄ cycloalkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₈-C₂₄ cycloalkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₆-C₃₀ aryl, substituted or unsubstituted C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl ring of 3-10 members, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl of 2 to 24 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 atoms other than carbon wherein the alkyl chain is of 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Optionally, R₃ and R₄ can be bound by a saturated or unsaturated carbon-carbon bond, forming a cycle with the nitrogen atom. More preferably R₂ is —NR₃R₄ or —OR₃, wherein R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group formed by H, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₄ alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₂₄ alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₂₄ alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₆-C₁₅ aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl of 3-10 members, substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl with a ring of 3 to 10 members and an alkyl chain of 1 to 6 carbon atoms. More preferably R₃ and R₄ are selected from the group formed by H, methyl, ethyl, hexyl, dodecyl, or hexadecyl. Even more preferably R₃ is H and R₄ is selected from the group formed by H, methyl, ethyl, hexyl, dodecyl, or hexadecyl. In accordance with an even more preferred embodiment, R₂ is selected from —OH and —NH₂.

In accordance with another embodiment of this invention R₁ is selected from the group formed by H, acetyl, lauroyl, myristoyl or palmitoyl, and R₂ is —NR₃R₄ or —OR₃ wherein R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from H, methyl, ethyl, hexyl, dodecyl and hexadecyl, preferably R₂ is —OH or —NH₂. More preferably, R₁ is acetyl or palmitoyl and R₂ is —NH₂. In a preferred embodiment, the acyl group is bound to the N-terminal end of at least one amino acid of the peptide. In an embodiment of the invention, the peptide is modified to comprise a side chain protecting group. The side chain protecting group may be one or more of the group comprising benzyl or benzyl based groups, t-butyl-based groups, benzyloxy-carbonyl (Z) group, and allyloxycarbonyl (alloc) protecting group. The side chain protecting group may be derived from an achiral amino acid such as achiral glycine. The use of an achiral amino acid helps to stabilise the resultant peptide and also facilitate the facile synthesis route of the present invention. Preferably, the peptide further comprises a modified C-terminus, preferably an amidated C-terminus. The achiral residue may be alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (methylalaine). It will be appreciated that the specific side chain protecting groups used will depend on the sequence of the peptide and the type of N-terminal protecting group used.

“Conjugate”: In one embodiment of the invention the peptide is conjugated, linked or fused to a binding partner, for example one or more polyethylene glycol polymers or other compounds, such as molecular weight increasing compounds or lipophilic groups. The molecular weight increasing compound is any compound that will increase the molecular weight, typically by 10% to 90%, or 20% to 50% of the resulting conjugate and may have a molecular weight of between 200 and 20, 000, preferably between 500 and 10, 000. The molecular weight increasing compound may be PEG, any water-soluble (amphiphilic or hydrophilic) polymer moiety, homo or co-polymers of PEG, a monomethyl-substituted polymer of PEG (mPEG) and polyoxyethylene glycerol (POG), polyamino acids such as poly-lysine, poly-glutamic acid, poly-aspartic acid, particular those of L conformation, pharmacologically inactive proteins such as albumin, gelatin, a fatty acid, olysaccharide, a lipid amino acid and dextran. The polymer moiety may be straight chained or branched and it may have a molecular weight of 500 to 40000 Da, 5000 to 10000 Da, 10000 to 5000, Da. The compound (binding partner) may be any suitable cell penetrating compound, such as tat peptide, penetratin, pep-1. The compound (binding partner) may be an antibody molecule. The compound (binding partner) may be a lipophilic moiety or a polymeric moiety. The lipophilic substituent and polymeric substituents are known in the art. The lipophilic substituent includes an acyl group, a sulphonyl group, an N atom, an O atom or an S atom which forms part of the ester, sulphonyl ester, thioester, amide or sulphonamide. The lipophilic moiety may include a hydrocarbon chain having 4 to 30 C atoms, preferably between 8 and 12 C atoms. It may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated. The hydrocarbon chain may be further substituted. It may be cycloalkane or heterocycloalkane. The peptide may be modified at the N-terminal, C-terminal or both. The polymer or compound (binding partner) is preferably linked to an amino, carboxyl or thio group and may be linked by N-termini or C-termini of side chains of any amino acid residue. The polymer or compound (binding partner) may be conjugated to the side chain of any suitable residue. The polymer or compound (binding partner) may be conjugated via a spacer. The spacer may be a natural or unnatural amino acid, succinic acid, lysyl, glutamyl, asparagyl, glycyl, beta-alanyl, gamma-amino butanoyl. The polymer or compound (binding partner) may be conjugated via an ester, a sulphonyl ester, a thioester, an amide, a carbamate, a urea, a sulphonamide. A person skilled in the art is aware of suitable means to prepare the described conjugate.

“Fragment” means a segment of a protein selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 14, the fragment typically being 7 to 37 contiguous amino acids in length, and generally having a charge of between −9 and +3; a c-terminal amino acid that typically is not cysteine (C) or methionine (M); and an n-terminal amino acid that typically is not cysteine (C), histidine (H), proline (P) or threonine (T). The charge of a peptide, fragment or region is determined using the method of Cameselle, J. C., Ribeiro, J. M., and Sillero, A. (1986). Derivation and use of a formula to calculate the net charge of acid-base compounds. Its application to amino acids, proteins and nucleotides. Biochem. Educ. 14, 131-136.

The term “natural” as applied to a peptide means a peptide that includes (a) a fragment of a plant protein, typically rice or pea protein, or variants of pea protein including lentil, sweet pea, or chick pea or variants of rice protein including oat, grass, corn, wild rice and bananas, or (b) a variant of the fragment of a plant protein, for example a fragment of a homolog of the plant protein. The peptides or fragments of the invention may be isolated from plant proteins or made synthetically using methods known to a person skilled in the art and described herein.

“C-terminal domain” as applied to a fragment means the first three amino acids at the c-terminus of the fragment.

“N-terminal domain” as applied to a fragment means the last three amino acids at the n-terminus of the fragment.

“Bioactive” as applied to a peptide or fragment means having a health promoting effect when administered a mammal, for example one or more of glucose transport promoting, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, or cellular growth or proliferation promoting. In one embodiment, the term “bioactive” means cellular growth promoting.

“Growth promoting” or “growth promoting activity” as applied to a peptide or fragment means a peptide or fragment that is capable of increasing elastin production or cellular proliferation of human skin treated with a 20 μM solution of peptide or fragment as described in the assay below.

“Glucose transport promoting” or “glucose transport promoting activity” as applied to a peptide or variant or fragment means a peptide, variant or fragment that is capable of increasing GLUT4 translocation into skeletal muscle compared with an untreated control when employed at a concentration of 2 μM in the following in-vitro assay. L6-GLUT4myc cells were grown in 10% FBS and 2 μg/ml blasticidin. Cells were grown for 48-72 hours before being seeded in 24-well plates at 15,000 cells per well in 2% FBS and allowed to differentiate for 6 to 8 days prior to experimentation. L6-GLUT4myc cells were serum-starved for three hours prior to incubation with 100 nM of insulin for 30 mins, or 200, 20, 2.0 and 0.2 μM of SP, and 2, 1, 0.5 and 0.25 mg/ml of peptide/peptide composition for 3 hours respectively. A 3-hour incubation period was selected based on previous findings identifying that incubation with branch chain amino acid containing di-peptides for 3 hours increases glucose uptake in L6 myotubes 1. Treatments were staggered in order to determine GLUT4myc translocation at the same time point. The quantity of myc-tagged GLUT4 at the cell surface was measured by antibody-coupled colorimetric assay. Briefly, after incubation with either insulin for 30 mins or synthetic peptide or peptide composition for 3 hours respectively, L6-GLUT4myc cells were fixed via incubation with 3% paraformaldehyde (PFA). A 0.1 M glycine solution was then added to quench PFA and cells were blocked with 5% goat serum. The myotube monolayer was exposed to anti-myc antibody and then incubated with peroxidase conjugated donkey anti-mouse IgG. 1 mL of o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (OPD) reagent was added to each well and this reaction was stopped by adding 250 μl/well of 3 M HCL. To determine GLUT4 translocation to cell surface, a measured aliquot of each condition was determined spectrophotometrically on a plate reader using absorbance at 492 nm. Preferably the peptide or fragment is capable of increasing GLUT4 translocation compared with an untreated control by at least 50% (i.e a relative unit increase in GLUT4 translocation of 1% to 1.5%).

“Antibacterial” or “antibacterial activity” as applied to a peptide or fragment means a peptide or fragment that is capable of visibly inhibiting the growth of a bacteria in the following agar-plate based growth inhibition assay: Peptide stock=5 mg/mL dissolved in DMSO. Bacterial inoculums were adjusted to McFarland 0.5 standard and MHA plates swabbed. Blank disks were placed in the plates and 10 μL of each compound (at 64 μg/mL—maximum concentration tested) added. Plates were incubated at 37° C. for 16-18 hours. Appropriate controls (DMSO; Mueller-Hinton media alone; and two antibiotic discs—ciprofloxacin and tetracycline) were also performed.

“Anti-inflammatory” as applied to a peptide or fragment means a peptide or fragment that is capable of significantly reducing the secretion of TNFα by LPS-stimulated J774.2 macrophages (compared with untreated LPS-stimulated J774.2 macrophages) when the macrophages are treated with 100 μM of the peptide or fragment. J774.2 macrophages were treated with 100 μM of synthetic peptide for 24 hours and then stimulated with (A) LPS (long/ml) for five hours or (B) LPS (long/ml) for 5 hours followed by ATP (5 mM) for one hour. Supernatant was collected and levels of TNFα were determined by ELISA.

“Enriched in peptides having a molecular weight of less than 10 KD” as applied to a composition of the invention means that the dry weight % of peptides in the composition having a molecular weight of less than 10 KD is greater than the dry weight % of polypeptide/protein in the composition having a molecular weight of 10 KD or greater.

“Homolog” of a reference protein should be understood to mean a protein from a different species of plant having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence homology with the reference protein. Thus, for example, homologs of pea protein P13918 include:

>gi|137584|sp|P08438.1|VCL_VICFA RecName: Full = Vicilin; Flags: Precursor [Vicia faba] >gi|22057|emb|CAA68559.1|vicilin [Vicia faba var. minor] >gi|383931031|gb|AFH56916.1|vicilin [Vicia faba] >gi|502105533|ref|XP_004492829.1|PREDICTED: vicilin-like isoform X1 [Cicer arietinum] ChickPea >gi|29539109|emb|CAD87730.1|allergen Len c 1.0101 [Lens culinaris] Lentil

A “variant” of a growth promoting fragment shall be taken to mean a fragment having an amino acid sequence that is substantially identical to the reference growth promoting fragment, and which has growth promoting activity as defined above. Thus, for example, the term should be taken to include fragments that are altered in respect of one or more amino acid residues. Preferably such alterations involve the insertion, addition, deletion and/or substitution of 5 or fewer amino acids, more preferably of 4 or fewer, even more preferably of 3 or fewer, most preferably of 1 or 2 amino acids only. Insertion, addition and substitution with natural and modified amino acids is envisaged. The variant may have conservative amino acid changes, wherein the amino acid being introduced is similar structurally, chemically, or functionally to that being substituted. Generally, the variant will have at least 70% amino acid sequence homology, preferably at least 80% sequence homology, more preferably at least 90% sequence homology, and ideally at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence homology with the reference growth promoting fragment.

In this specification, the term “sequence identity” should be understand to comprise both sequence identity and similarity, i.e. a variant (or homolog) that shares 70% sequence identity with a reference sequence is one in which any 70% of aligned residues of the variant (or homolog) are identical to or conservative substitutions of the corresponding residues in the reference sequence across the entire length of the sequence. Sequence identity is the amount of characters which match exactly between two different sequences. Hereby, gaps are not counted and the measurement is relational to the shorter of the two sequences. In terms of “sequence homology”, the term should be understood to mean that a variant (or homolog) which shares a defined percent similarity or identity with a reference sequence when the percentage of aligned residues of the variant (or homolog) are either identical to, or conservative substitutions of, the corresponding residues in the reference sequence and where the variant (or homolog) shares the same function as the reference sequence. This alignment and the percent homology or sequence identity can be determined using software programs known in the art, for example, one alignment program is BLAST, using default parameters. Details of these programs can be found at the following Internet address: <www.ncbi.nlm.nih.goviblast/Blast.cgi>.

Variants of SEQ ID NO: 448 (QSFLLSGNQ)

Variants of SEQ ID NO: 448 (QSFLLSGNQ) including variants having 1 or 2 conservative amino acid substitutions, 1, 2 to 3 non-conservative amino acid substitutions, 1-2 amino acid additions, 1, 2 or 3 amino acid deletions, are provided below:

One conservative amino acid substitution:

(SEQ ID NO: 418) QSFILSGNE, (SEQ ID NO: 419) ESFLLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 420) QSYLLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 421) QSFLLSGDQ

Two conservative amino acid substitutions:

(SEQ ID NO: 422) QSYLLSGNE, (SEQ ID NO: 423) ESFLLSGNE, (SEQ ID NO: 424) ESYLLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 425) QSFLLSGDE, (SEQ ID NO: 426) QSYLLSGDQ

One non-conservative amino acid substitution

(SEQ ID NO: 427) QSFRLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 428) QSFLLSYNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 429) QFFLLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 430) QSFLLSGAQ, (SEQ ID NO: 431) QSFLLSGNP

Two non-conservative amino acid substitution

(SEQ ID NO: 432) QSFRRSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 433) QSFLLSYIQ, (SEQ ID NO: 434) QFFLLSGNL, (SEQ ID NO: 435) QSFLLSGAQ, (SEQ ID NO: 436) QSFLLSGNP

One or two amino acid additions

(SEQ ID NO: 437) QSFLLSGNQQ, (SEQ ID NO: 438) QSFLLLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 439) AQSFGLLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 440) RQSFLLISGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 441) QSFLLSGNQK

One, two or three amino acid deletions

(SEQ ID NO: 442) QFLLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 443) SFLLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 444) QSFLLSGN, (SEQ ID NO: 445) QSFLLGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 446) QSFLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 447) QSLLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 448) SFLLSGNQ, (SEQ ID NO: 449) QSFLLSGN, (SEQ ID NO: 450) SFLLSGN, (SEQ ID NO: 451) QSFSGNQ

The term “variant” also includes fragment of peptides of the invention. “Fragment of a peptide of the invention” or “peptide fragment” means a fragment of one of the peptides of the invention having at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 or 22 amino acids and that typically has a bioactivity, for example anti-inflammatory activity, anti-ageing activity, glucose transport promoting activity, or anti-bacterial activity. In one embodiment, the fragment consists of at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the reference sequence. Thus, the invention also provides bioactive fragments of the peptides of the invention, and peptides comprising one or more of these fragments. In one embodiment, the fragments are bioactive. In one embodiment, the fragments are cellular growth or proliferation promoting fragments. Examples of fragments of peptides of the invention are provide in SEQ ID NOs: 494 to 524.

“Anti-ageing” means inhibiting or slowing the appearance of ageing of a human skin and/or reversing the appearance of ageing. “Slowing or inhibiting ageing of the skin” means slowing or inhibiting the ageing process in the skin, and/or reversing the appearance of ageing.

“Disease or condition characterised by damaged dermal or epithelial cells or tissue” means any condition or disease that results in damaged dermal or epithelial tissue or cells or organs. One example is trauma which often results in damaged skin. Another example is an inflammatory skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema which often results in damaged skin. Another example is an inflammatory disorder of the lower intestines which can result in damaged epithelial cells/tissue lining the lower intestines. Another example is damaged epithelial cells/tissue lining the lower intestines caused by ingestion of a toxic or damaging substance, for example toxic chemicals or drugs. Another example is cancer, for example bowel cancer, which can result in damaged epithelial tissue in the bowel. Another condition is a peripheral inflammatory disorder such as atopic dermatitis which can result in damage to the skin in humans.

“Inflammatory disorder” means an immune-mediated inflammatory condition that affects humans and is generally characterised by dysregulated expression of one or more cytokines. Examples of inflammatory disorders include skin inflammatory disorders, inflammatory disorders of the joints, inflammatory disorders of the cardiovascular system, certain autoimmune diseases, lung and airway inflammatory disorders, intestinal inflammatory disorders. Examples of skin inflammatory disorders include dermatitis, for example atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis, acne vulgaris, and psoriasis. Examples of inflammatory disorders of the joints include rheumatoid arthritis. Examples of inflammatory disorders of the cardiovascular system are cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Examples of autoimmune diseases include Type 1 diabetes, Graves disease, Guillain-Barre disease, Lupus, Psoriatic arthritis, and Ulcerative colitis. Examples of lung and airway inflammatory disorders include asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, emphysema, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Examples of intestinal inflammatory disorders include colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Other inflammatory disorders include cancer, hay fever, periodontitis, allergies, hypersensitivity, ischemia, depression, systemic diseases, post infection inflammation and bronchitis. The invention also relates to a peptide or composition of the invention for use in treating an inflammatory disorder in a mammal.

“Metabolic disorder” should be understood to include pre-diabetes, diabetes; Type-1 diabetes; Type-2 diabetes; metabolic syndrome; obesity; diabetic dyslipidemia; hyperlipidemia; hypertension; hypertriglyceridemia; hyperfattyacidemia; hypercholerterolemia; hyperinsulinemia, and MODY. The invention also relates to a peptide or composition of the invention for use in treating a metabolic disorder in a mammal.

“Disease or condition characterised by damaged dermal or epithelial cells or tissue” means any condition or disease that results in damaged dermal or epithelial tissue or cells or organs. One example is trauma which often results in damaged skin. Another example is an inflammatory skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema which often results in damaged skin. Another example is an inflammatory disorder of the lower intestines which can result in damaged epithelial cells/tissue lining the lower intestines. Another example is damaged epithelial cells/tissue lining the lower intestines caused by ingestion of a toxic or damaging substance, for example toxic chemicals or drugs. Another example is cancer, for example bowel cancer, which can result in damaged epithelial tissue in the bowel. Another condition is a peripheral inflammatory disorder such as atopic dermatitis which can result in damage to the skin in humans.

“Disease or condition characterised by bacterial infection” means any condition or disease characterised having a pathology caused by growth of bacteria or by bacterial infection, including for example MRSA, salmonella, listeria, bacterial pneumonia, Staphylococcal food poisoning, bacterial memingitis. Specific examples are provided in <en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_infectious_diseases>.

“Man-made” as applied to comestible products should be understood to mean made by a human being and not existing in nature.

“Maintaining or restoring gut health” means reducing and/or regulating the pro-inflammatory response in the gut and more specifically the epithelial cells. The healthy microbiome offers some protection against pathogenic viruses and bacteria, and their presence is needed to guide the development of our immune system. It has been shown that these bacteria can react to human signals of stress, sickness, or age which can be manifested by inflammation and as a consequence switch on their virulence genes and cause or contribute to disease. Having the ability to reduce and maintain at healthy levels the inflammatory response can help maintain the healthy bacteria. Digestive problems, which comprise the number one health problem in North America, appear to be occurring with more frequency in recent years. One way to maintain digestive health is to maintain proper inflammation and intestinal flora.

“Improving muscle status” means improving the muscle health, for example promoting skeletal muscle protein synthesis, skeletal glucose absorption, improving lean tissue mass in therapeutic or non-therapeutic context, promoting muscle recovery generally after activity exercise, or improving muscle performance. The methods or uses may be therapeutic or non-therapeutic. The term “improving lean tissue mass status” should be understood to mean increasing lean tissue mass, or inhibiting or preventing the rate of lean tissue mass degradation.

“Promoting muscle recovery” means causing an increase in absorption of glucose in skeletal muscle compared with untreated skeletal muscle.

“Disease or condition characterised by lethargy or low energy levels” means any condition or disease characterised by a feeling or tiredness or low energy. Examples include allergies, asthma, anaemia, cancer and its treatments, chronic pain, heart disease, infection, depression, eating disorders, grief, sleeping disorders, thyroid problems, medication side effects, alcohol use, or drug use.

“Maintaining or restoring muscle health” means helping retain or restore mammalian muscle health resulting from damage incurred during exercise. By promoting glucose transport in skeletal muscle the peptides promote recovery from exercise, and relieve muscle soreness/pain and injury connected with exercise. They can also be used to decrease and prevent muscle cramping, and to allow a faster recovery from muscle cramping. Cramping can result from physical stress, mental stress, and or Repetitive Strain Injury stress. By promoting glucose transport the peptides help reduce Myopathy of the muscle, and help prevent Sarcopenia in mammals, promote recovery from injuries during exercise, and relieve muscle soreness/pain and injury connected with exercise. The invention also relates to a peptide or composition of the invention for use in maintaining or restoring muscle health in a mammal.

In this specification, the term “substantially all” as applied to a list of peptides should be understood to mean at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the peptides.

“Man-made” as applied to comestible products should be understood to mean made by a human being and not existing in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 to 100: Effect of synthetic peptides of the invention on proliferation of Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF).

FIG. 101: Effect of synthetic peptide of the invention (SEQ ID NO: 42) on elastin synthesis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF).

FIG. 102: Effect of synthetic peptide of the invention (SEQ ID NO: 42) on collagen synthesis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF).

FIG. 103: Effect of synthetic peptide of the invention (SEQ ID NO: 701) on elastin synthesis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF).

FIG. 104: Effect of synthetic peptide of the invention (SEQ ID NO: 701) on collagen synthesis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF).

FIG. 105: Effect of synthetic peptide of the invention (SEQ ID NO: 246) on elastin synthesis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF).

FIG. 106: Effect of synthetic peptide of the invention (SEQ ID NO: 246) on collagen synthesis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF).

FIG. 107: Effect of synthetic peptide of the invention (SEQ ID NO: 284) on elastin synthesis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF).

FIG. 108: Effect of synthetic peptide of the invention (SEQ ID NO: 245) on elastin synthesis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF).

FIG. 109: Effect of synthetic peptide of the invention (SEQ ID NO: 245) on collagen synthesis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF).

FIG. 110. shows the integrity controls and viability controls for the assay system.

FIG. 111. % of elastin expression in superficial dermis compared to control (water or DMSO) for peptides P1, P2 and P3

*shows significant increases of elastin expression in superficial AND middle dermis.

FIG. 112. % of elastin expression in middle dermis compared to control (water or DMSO) for peptides P1, P2 and P3.

*shows significant increases of elastin expression in superficial AND middle dermis.

FIG. 113. % of cell proliferation in the basal layer of epidermis compared to control (water or DMSO) for peptides P6 and P8, and peptide compositions P9 and P10

*shows significant increases.

FIG. 114. Histological analysis of the elastic fibers (+catechin, ×200) FIG. 115. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the mitotic index (Ki67, ×400)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Example 1—Cell Proliferation Assay

BrDu is incorporated into newly synthesised DNA strands of actively proliferating cells. Following partial denaturation of double stranded DNA, Brdu is detected immunochemically allowing the assessment of the population of cells which are synthesizing DNA.

Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF—Sigma 10605a) were seeded in a 96 well plate at 10,000 cells per well in DMEM containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), 1% Pen/strep, 1% L-glutamine and allowed to adhere for 24 h.

Following the initial 24 h incubation the cells were incubated with 5 μg/ml, 0.5 μg/ml or 0.05 μg/ml synthetic peptide for 24 h respectively.

After 18 h incubation with synthetic peptides 20 μl BrDu reagent was added to each well.

At 24 h incubation the cell were fixed and the amount of 2-DG6P was measured using the BrdU Cell Proliferation Assay, all steps were carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Results were calculated as a percentage of the untreated control. An increase in optical density reading indicates greatER incorporation of BrDu and increase cell proliferation.

The results are shown in FIGS. 1-100 and Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 FIG. SEQ ID INCREASE IN NO NO: PROLIFERATION 1 121 48% 2 105 40% 3 249 30% 4 226 30% 5 84 20% 6 330 18% 7 181 33% 8 83 32% 9 247 28% 10 97 26% 11 74 29% 12 13 168 14 151 15 470 119% 16 257 118% 17 256 117% 18 457 114% 19 499 113% 20 253 112% 21 222 110% 22 272 97% 23 252 111% 24 248 86% 25 472 77% 26 365 58% 27 502 68% 28 496 51% 29 98 49% 30 454 38% 31 85 35% 32 453 25% 33 158 21% 34 464 18% 35 73 16% 36 359 15% 37 124 15% 38 112 15% 39 733 40 728 41 727 42 730 43 731 44 148 45 343 46 345 47 484 48 729 49 456 50 494 51 723 52 722 53 498 54 475 13% 55 718 56 337 8% 57 500 6% 58 717 59 297 60 340 61 719 62 726 63 725 64 724 65 720 66 721 67 503 125% 68 474 121% 69 504 119% 70 114 119% 71 505 118% 72 482 113% 73 479 106% 74 477 81% 75 410 73% 76 475 69% 77 497 58% 78 480 102% 79 463 100% 80 465 96% 81 467 90% 82 461 85% 83 341 83% 84 468 82% 85 285 81% 86 496 81% 87 146 80% 88 478 76% 89 452 76% 90 495 68% 91 403 51% 92 455 47% 93 270 47% 94 501 43% 95 473 41% 96 39% 97 471 38% 98 460 38% 99 93 26% 100 462 15%

FIG. 1 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 48% when incubated with SEQ ID 121.

FIG. 2 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 40% when incubated with SEQ ID 105.

FIG. 3 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 30% when incubated with SEQ ID 249.

FIG. 4 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 30% when incubated with SEQ ID 226.

FIG. 5 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 20% when incubated with SEQ ID 84.

FIG. 6 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 18% when incubated with SEQ ID 330.

FIG. 7 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 33% when incubated with SEQ ID 181.

FIG. 8 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 32% when incubated with SEQ ID 83.

FIG. 9 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 28% when incubated with SEQ ID 247.

FIG. 10 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 26% when incubated with SEQ ID 97.

FIG. 11 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 29% when incubated with SEQ ID 74.

FIG. 15 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 119% when incubated with SEQ ID 470.

FIG. 16 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 118% when incubated with SEQ ID 257.

FIG. 17 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 117% when incubated with SEQ ID 256.

FIG. 18 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 114% when incubated with SEQ ID 457.

FIG. 19 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 113% when incubated with SEQ ID 499.

FIG. 20 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 112% when incubated with SEQ ID 253.

FIG. 21 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 110% when incubated with SEQ ID 222.

FIG. 22 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 97% when incubated with SEQ ID 272.

FIG. 23 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 111% when incubated with SEQ ID 252.

FIG. 24 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 86% when incubated with SEQ ID 248.

FIG. 25 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 77% when incubated with SEQ ID 472.

FIG. 26 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 58% when incubated with SEQ ID 365.

FIG. 27 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 68% when incubated with SEQ ID 502.

FIG. 28 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 51% when incubated with SEQ ID 496.

FIG. 29 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 49% when incubated with SEQ ID 98.

FIG. 30 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 38% when incubated with SEQ ID 454.

FIG. 31 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 35% when incubated with SEQ ID 85.

FIG. 32 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 25% when incubated with SEQ ID 453.

FIG. 33 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 21% when incubated with SEQ ID 158.

FIG. 34 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 18% when incubated with SEQ ID 464.

FIG. 35 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 16% when incubated with SEQ ID 73.

FIG. 36 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 15% when incubated with SEQ ID 359.

FIG. 37 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 15% when incubated with SEQ ID 124.

FIG. 38 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 15% when incubated with SEQ ID 112.

FIG. 54 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 13% when incubated with SEQ ID 475.

FIG. 56 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 8% when incubated with SEQ ID 337.

FIG. 57 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 6% when incubated with SEQ ID 500.

FIG. 67 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 125% when incubated with SEQ ID 503.

FIG. 68 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 121% when incubated with SEQ ID 474.

FIG. 69 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 119% when incubated with SEQ ID 504.

FIG. 70 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 119% when incubated with SEQ ID 114.

FIG. 71 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 118% when incubated with SEQ ID 505.

FIG. 72 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 113% when incubated with SEQ ID 482.

FIG. 73 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 106% when incubated with SEQ ID 479.

FIG. 74 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 81% when incubated with SEQ ID 477.

FIG. 75 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 73% when incubated with SEQ ID 410.

FIG. 76 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 69% when incubated with SEQ ID 475.

FIG. 77 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 58% when incubated with SEQ ID 497.

FIG. 78 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 102% when incubated with SEQ ID 480.

FIG. 79 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 100% when incubated with SEQ ID 463.

FIG. 80 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 96% when incubated with SEQ ID 465.

FIG. 81 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 90% when incubated with SEQ ID 467.

FIG. 82 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 85% when incubated with SEQ ID 461.

FIG. 83 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 83% when incubated with SEQ ID 341.

FIG. 84 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 82% when incubated with SEQ ID 468.

FIG. 85 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 81% when incubated with SEQ ID 485.

FIG. 86 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 81% when incubated with SEQ ID 496.

FIG. 87 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 80% when incubated with SEQ ID 146.

FIG. 88 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 76% when incubated with SEQ ID 478.

FIG. 89 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 76% when incubated with SEQ ID 452.

FIG. 90 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 68% when incubated with SEQ ID 495.

FIG. 91 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 51% when incubated with SEQ ID 403.

FIG. 92 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 47% when incubated with SEQ ID 455.

FIG. 93 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 47% when incubated with SEQ ID 270.

FIG. 94 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 43% when incubated with SEQ ID 501.

FIG. 95 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 41% when incubated with SEQ ID 473.

FIG. 97 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 38% when incubated with SEQ ID 471.

FIG. 98 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 38% when incubated with SEQ ID 460.

FIG. 99 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 26% when incubated with SEQ ID 93.

FIG. 100 shows an increase in HGF cell proliferation of 15% when incubated with SEQ ID 462.

Example 2—Collagen Production Assay

Hydroxyproline in tissue preparations is a direct measure of the amount of collagen present. FIRELISA Human Hydroxyproline ELISA kit assay is designed to measure hydroxyproline in tissue or peptide compositions.

Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF Sigma 10605a) were seeded in 24 well plates at 50,000 cells per well in DMEM containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), 1% Pen/strep, 1% L-glutamine and allowed to adhere for 24 h.

Following the initial 24 h incubation the cells were incubated with 5 μg/ml, 1 μg/ml or 0.1 μg/ml synthetic peptide for 96 h respectively.

After treatment the cells were lysed using 4 freeze thaw cycles in liquid nitrogen. The lysed cells were centrifuged and 50 μl/ml of each supernatant was assayed using the FIRELISA

Human Hydroxyproline ELISA kit. All steps were carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Results were calculated as a percentage of the untreated control. An increase in optical density reading indicates an increase collagen content.

The results are shown in FIGS. 102, 104, 106 and 109

Example 3—Elastin Production Assay

Elastin is a highly elastic protein in connective tissue and allows many tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting. FIRELISA Human Elastin ELISA kit assay is designed to measure Elastin in tissue or protein/peptide compositions.

Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF) were seeded in 24 well plates at 50,000 cells per well in DMEM containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), 1% Pen/strep, 1% L-glutamine and allowed to adhere for 24 h.

Following the initial 24 h incubation the cells were incubated with 5 μg/ml, 1 μg/ml or 0.1 μg/ml synthetic peptide for 96 h respectively.

After treatment the cells were lysed using 4 freeze thaw cycles in liquid nitrogen. The lysed cells were centrifuged and 50 μl/ml of each supernatant was assayed using the FIRELISA Human Elastin ELISA kit. All steps were carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Results were calculated as a percentage of the untreated control. An increase in optical density reading indicates an increase collagen content.

The results are shown in FIGS. 101, 103, 105, 107, 108 and 109.

Example 4—Elastin and Cell Proliferation Assays

TABLE 2 Test items. Orange bands correspond to samples dissolved into DMSO 0.3% instead of water. Intertek Item Denomination Concentration Provider Nature reference Solubility Storage Peptide 1 E_280_PJ 20 μM Nuritas Peptide 14-CHL- Water −80° C. 0723-01 Peptide 2 I_222two_IN 20 μM Nuritas Peptide 14-CHL- Water Ambient 0723-02 Peptide 3 E_134_two_IN 20 μM Nuritas Peptide 14-CHL- Water −80° C. 0723-03 Peptide 4 E_30two_IN 20 μM Nuritas Peptide 14-CHL- Water −80° C. 0723-04 Peptide 5 E_121two_IN 20 μM Nuritas Peptide 14-CHL- Water −80° C. 0723-05 Peptide 6 I_10two_IN 20 μM Nuritas Peptide 14-CHL- DMSO −80° C. 0723-06 0.3% Peptide 7 I_41two_IN 20 μM Nuritas Peptide 14-CHL- DMSO −80° C. 0723-07 0.3% Peptide 8 E_41_PJ 10 μM* Nuritas Peptide 14-CHL- Water −80° C. 0723-08 Composition E_2_IN 500 μg/mL Nuritas Composition 14-CHL- Water −80° C. P9 of peptides 0723-09 Composition I_2_IN 500 μg/mL Nuritas Composition 14-CHL- Water −80° C. P10 of peptides 0723-10 Equipment

Incubator, Flow Laminar Chamber, Sterile Polished Plastic Rod, Pipettor, Maintenance medium, Plate 6 well, Plate 24 well.

Reagents

MTT, PBS, SDS, Formaldehyde, Xylene, Ethanol absolute, Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS), Metal Enhanced DAB substrate kit, ABC peroxidase staining kit, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide 2N, Hydrogen peroxide 30%, Anti-Filaggrin, Anti-rabbit IgG-Biotin, Tween 20.

Test System

Nature: Human skin tissue 5 mm diameter

Batch number: EXP004050B009 and EXP004050B011

Provider: Laboratoire Biopredic International—8-18 rue Jean Pecker—35000 Rennes—France. Tel: +33 (0)2.99.14.36.14—Fax: +33 (0)2.99.54.44.72.

Certificates of analysis are present in Annex 1.

Two batches are used for the assay. Batch EXP004050B005 is used for experiment day 1, and Batch EXP004050B006 is used for experiment day 5.

Maintenance Medium

Maintenance Medium: Batch No: MIL 218C

Provider: Laboratoire Biopredic International—8-18 rue Jean Pecker—35000 Rennes—France.

Peptides Tested

P1: SEQ ID NO: 283 P2: SEQ ID NO: 246 P3: SEQ ID NO: 284 P4: (SEQ ID NO: 776) RPYYSNAPQEIF P5: (SEQ ID NO: 777) VLLEQQEQEPQH P6: SEQ ID NO: 245 P7: (SEQ ID NO: 778) QQYGIAASPFLQSAA P8: SEQ ID NO: 42 Compositions Tested

P9 (14-CHL-0723-09) is the Pea composition (SEQ ID Numbers: 50, 85, 74, 140, 82, 136, 189, 77, 169, 149, 171, 178, 143, 127, 190, 141, 147, 133, 186, 125, 122, 119, 87, 90, 86, 89, 138, 129, 123, 120, 117, 113, 110, 121, 105, 98, 55, 161, 19, 317, 135, 130, 146, 177, 160, 170, 188, 83, 78, 36, 96, 159, 26, 330, 168, 148, 184, 151, 151, 165, 114, 284)

P10 (14-CHL-0723-010) is the Rice composition (SEQ ID Numbers: 245, 246, 263, 250, 257, 259, 276, 255, 251, 264, 256, 266, 274, 270, 269, 356, 245, 380, 262, 258, 356, 218, 252, 358, 271, 253, 344, 275, 272, 226, 224, 220, 248, 261, 265, 373, 375, 247, 249, 363, 273, 343, 273, 362)

Application Method

Skin explants were prepared from abdominal plastic surgery. Some explants were delipidated with alcohol to obtain a dehydrated skin.

These explants were maintained in maintenance medium supplied by the provider Bioprédic International for 5 days. Test items are applied twice per day with 5 μL per explant.

At the end of the test, viabilities controls are realized with the MTT on two explants, the third explant is fixed in the formaldehyde 4% for histology and cell staining.

For each time of analysis (D1 and D5), histologies on delipidated explants, treated explants with test items, the DMSO 0.3% control and water control, are performed.

After receipt in the laboratory, each skin explant in the maintenance medium is delipidated with 5 μL alcohol during 3 hours.

After 3 hours, all skin explants are treated two per day with test items, and they are incubated at 37° C.+/−2° C., 5% CO2 for 1 day or 5 days.

Integrity of the system is realized at day 1 and day 5 with a viability control with MTT.

Immunostaining

Histology is realized by the laboratory Gredeco and the immunostaining to elastin and Ki67 are realized by the same laboratory. Immunostaining to filaggrin is realized by the laboratory Intertek.

The detection of elastin (rabbit monoclonal antibody, clone P15502, LSBio) is performed using an immunoperoxidase technique two layers (ABC kit, Vector Laboratories) and revealed by AEC (3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole). The immunohistochemical staining intensity in the elastic fibers is evaluated using a semi-quantitative histological score.

Epithelial proliferation was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using anti-Ki67 antibody. Immunodetection was performed using an indirect immunoperoxidase technique three layers, amplified (DAKO kit) and revealed by AEC (3-Amino-9-ethylcarbazole). Counting the number of labeled cells (keratinocytes of the basal layer of the epidermis) is performed and provides the total number of basal cells to calculate the % of labeled cells.

The specific staining of filaggrin is performed with an immunoperoxidase staining (ABC kit, Fisher). The intensity of immunohistochemical marker in the epidermis is evaluated relative to the negative control of the solvent (Water or DMSO 0.3%).

C: Results

Viability Control

The integrity control and the viability control are present in FIG. 1. These controls do allow to validate the assay system. The viability is >50% for test items, and they do not show a cytotoxicity according to the test.

Immunostaining

Elastin Expression

The elastic fibers of the dermis were revealed by staining with the catechin and morphometrically quantified by analysis by computer-assisted image. The percentage area taken up by elastic fibers in the dermis was calculated in the dermis and the average superficial dermis. Results are presented in FIGS. 101, 105, 107, and 108.

TABLE 3 Morphometric quantification of elastic fibers in the superficial dermis (%) and middle dermis. All samples dissolved in water except where indicated. Morphometric Morphometric quantification quantification of elastic fibers of elastic fibers in the superficial in the middle dermis (%) dermis (%) Conditions D1 D5 D1 D5 Dehydrated with alcohol 4.31 4.9 5 5.83 and hydrated with water Dehydrated 2.38 7.26 4.39 9.59 EGF (Epidermal Growth 3.64 5.61 5.68 6.61 Factor) 10 ng/mL Dehydrated with alcohol 3.76 7.24 6 10.36 and hydrated with DMSO 0.3% 0723.01 4.45 10.21 7.59 10.17 0723.02 6.09 7.59 11.75 9.08 0723.03 3 11.68 4.9 9 0723.04 3.28 8.94 5.22 9 0723.05 6.34 6.26 8.8 6.61 0723.06 (dissolved in DMSO 3.8 4.03 4.54 8.67 0.3% instead of water) 0723.07 (dissoved in DMSO 4 5.15 6.46 5.33 0.3% instead of water) 0723.08 2.7 5.32 3.52 7.27 0723.09 3.26 8.26 5.75 7.92 0723.10 4.1 8 5.73 8.34

Under the experimental conditions of the study, 0723-1 and 0723-3 samples show an increase by twice of elastic fibers in the superficial dermis compared to control water (Figure), and an increase in the middle dermis compared to the water control at D5.

The 0723-2 sample shows an increase doubled in the middle dermis at day 1 compared to control water and an increase at day 5.

Ki67 Expression

The results of the immunohistochemical analysis of Ki67 are reported in Table 4 and expressed as % of labelled at the basal layer of the epidermis. The FIG. 115 shows the percentage of Ki 67 cells compared to negative controls (water or DMSO). Immunohistochemical analysis of mitotic activity is shown in annex 4 with a reminder of the average for each analysed conditions.

TABLE 4 % of Ki67 positive cells in the basal layer of the epidermis. All samples dissolved in water except where indicated. Conditions D1 D5 Dehydrated with alcohol and hydrated with 19.09 3.53 water Dehydrated 17.05 1.76 EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) 10 ng/mL 25.11 4.2 Dehydrated with alcohol and hydrated with 17.2 2.61 DMSO 0.3% 0723.01 18.57 3.92 0723.02 19.61 6.73 0723.03 22.01 10.04 0723.04 14.97 11.36 0723.05 9.48 3.08 0723.06 (dissolved in DMSO 31.97 5.04 0.3% instead of water) 0723.07 (dissoved in DMSO 22.22 5.26 0.3% instead of water) 0723.08 27.83 5.72 0723.09 31.02 2.4 0723.10 31.94 3.57

Under the experimental conditions of the study, test item 0723-06, 0723-08, 0723-09 and 0723-010 show an increase in the number of mitotic cells compared to EGF at day 1. A decrease in the mitotic index was observed on day 5 compared to day 1 for all analysed conditions.

The decrease in this cell staining on day 5 is caused by the model. Indeed, after approximately 3 days cell turnover is exhausted on this model.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in construction and detail without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition formulated for topical application to the skin of a human comprising a peptide and a cosmetically acceptable excipient, wherein the peptide is up to 50 amino acids in length and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 283. 2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the peptide consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 283. 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a gel, cream, lotion or ointment.
 4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a cream, lotion or ointment, and wherein the cosmetically acceptable excipient is selected from an emollient or an emulsifying agent.
 5. The composition according to claim 1, comprising 0.1 to 5000 ppm of the peptide.
 6. The composition according to claim 1, comprising 0.5 to 500 ppm of the peptide.
 7. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of an emulsion.
 8. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetically acceptable excipient is selected from the group consisting of: a diluent, carrier, binder, lubricant, suspending agent, coating agent, preservative, stabilisers, dyes, vehicle, solubilising agent, base, emollient, emulsifying agent, fragrance, humectant, and surfactants.
 9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetically acceptable excipient is an emollient or an emulsifying agent.
 10. A composition comprising a peptide, wherein the peptide is up to 50 amino acids in length and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 283, and wherein the composition is a powder.
 11. The composition according to claim 10, wherein the powder is free of un-hydrolysed protein. 